Site navigation

ScotlandIS Calls on Tech Firms to Steer Scotland’s Digital Future

Ross Kelly

19 May 2020,
10.27am

Tech firms across Scotland are being asked to help continue building the country as a ‘digital nation’.

The ScotlandIS Challenge, launched today in partnership with the Scottish Government, is calling on Scottish-based tech firms to submit ideas that will help further develop the country’s critical digital and data infrastructure.

Ideas should be submitted before the 16th June, and could range from taking more public services online to improving how financial transactions are carried out.

The resulting projects will be taken forward as part of the Scottish Government’s CivTech process, which brings together the public and private sectors to deliver innovative solutions.

Commenting on the challenge launch, ScotlandIS chief executive Jane Morrison-Ross, said: “Through this challenge, Scotland has the opportunity to become a Digital Nation, a true digital democracy. Digital underpins everything and is critical to our economy.

“The rapid digital transformation of business and society would not have been possible without the infrastructure, products and services created by our digital ecosystem.”

She added: “But we can do more. And we can do it better. We want to harness technology and innovation to evolve current business models, drive efficiencies and productivity gains across the economy. To create a country known for innovation, for an ethical approach to data and an integrated approach to public services.

“By building the right transformational infrastructure and working collaboratively, we can create a Digital Scotland that is good for the people, the economy, the environment and the government.”

How to get involved

ScotlandIS is encouraging prospective companies to consider a range of issues and potential solutions, including:

What are the key components of a new digital and data infrastructure and why they are a priority?

How can the national digital and data assets of Scotland be protected?

What are the technical solutions to build these components, and how can they be applied?

How could more essential public services be delivered online – spanning healthcare, education and finance?

How could the Scottish Government work more closely with private sector stakeholders to speed up delivery, innovate and maximise benefits and investment to the Scottish economy?

Submitted ideas will be reviewed by an expert multi-disciplinary team formed from the Scottish Government and ScotlandIS. The team will identify common themes, agree priority actions to take and communicate recommendations and findings.

Ben Macpherson MSP, minister for public finance and migration, commented: “I am really keen to hear the views of Scotland’s tech businesses on how we can work together through and beyond the Covid-19 crisis to create a more productive economy, tackle climate change and build a healthy and more equal society.

“I hope that many of you take this opportunity to share your thoughts on how we can build an innovative and inclusive Digital Nation to be proud of.”